Electric Mercedes G-Class SUV Falls Short, Struggles to Sell
Mercedes' manager deemed the electric Gelendzhik model a total flop.
The much-hyped electric Mercedes G-Class, dubbed the G580 EQ, has faced a rocky road in sales, as revealed by German newspaper Handelsblatt. In stark contrast to the sales figures for its gasoline and diesel models, which racked up 9,700 units, the electric variant managed a mere 1,450 sales in a year.
One manager citied consumer preferences, stating, "People crave the real G-Class - six or eight cylinders." The hefty price tag and limited practicality of the electric model, including its short range and absent tow hitch option, are undoubtedly contributors to its meager sales.
In an attempt to boost appeal, Mercedes is rethinking its plans for the smaller model, known as the Little G. Initially envisioned as an electric vehicle, speculation now swirls around the inclusion of internal combustion engines to cater to a broader audience.
While the dip in sales may seem disheartening, a company representative remains optimistic, declining to disclose further details but insisting they're "on the right track with sales figures."
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Insights from the Enrichment Data:
- Limited Practicality: The electric G-Class's lack of a towbar and limited payload capacity (415 kg) make it less versatile compared to combustion engine counterparts.
- Price: The higher cost of the electric model has detracted potential buyers.
- Consumer Preferences: Luxury buyers generally favor the traditional prowess of combustion engines over electric vehicles.
- Flexibility: Mercedes-Benz's MMA platform enables both electric and combustion engine configurations in the mini G-Class.
- Shift to Hybrid or Combustion Engines: There are rumors that Mercedes might opt for a hybrid or even a combustion engine for the Little G instead of an exclusive electric setup.
- Rethinking Electrification Strategy: The commercial failure of the electric G-Class may lead Mercedes to revise its electrification roadmap for SUVs and off-road models, possibly reintroducing combustion engine options in other segments.
- "What about the future of electric vehicles in the automotive industry, particularly with the struggles of the electric Mercedes G-Class SUV?"
- "Despite the rise of electric-vehicles in the finance sector, luxury buyers in the lifestyle industry still prefer the traditional power of combustion engines, as seen with the sales of the Mercedes G-Class."
- "The lacklustre sales of the electric version of the Mercedes G-Class could indicate a growing preference for finance options like personal car loans that cater to internal combustion engine vehicles, such as cars in the automotive industry."
- "The shift in consumer preferences towards combustion engines might influence the transportation industry, with potential changes in manufacturing for automakers like Mercedes-Benz."
